Song Details
- Album Release Date: 2012
- Genre: punk-rock
Song Meaning of “Bottle Of Smoke – Live At The Olympia, Paris / 2012” by The Pogues
Bottle of Smoke, by The Pogues, is an emotionally powerful song about a man who has lost the woman he loves. He is looking for an escape from the sadness, hurt, and pain he feels and so he turns to alcohol. The bottle of smoke he refers to is the whiskey or ‘smoke’ he consumes in order to numb his grief. He sings of his sadness and his longing for her, wishing he could get her back, but knowing there is no way to do so. He finds momentary peace in the whiskey, but ultimately realizes that the only way to truly escape his sorrow is to face it and accept it.
The music of the song itself reflects the melancholic emotion he feels. The melody is slow and subdued and the lyrics are full of sorrowful imagery. The live version from The Olympia in Paris captures the emotion of the song perfectly. The buzz of the crowd, the creaks of the piano, and the subtle sounds of the instruments give the entire performance an ethereal and poignant feel.
The song is a reminder that grief can be difficult to face, but it is not something to shy away from. Bottles of smoke can never truly bring solace, and even though it may seem easier to run away, we can only find true peace by facing and embracing our sorrow.